No. 444.
Mr. Hoffman to Mr. Evarts.

No. 41.]

Sir: I have the honor to forward to you herewith a copy and translation of a note yesterday received from Mr. de Giers, upon the subject of the bi-metallic Congress; and as it is possible that the translation may not render the precise meaning of the original, I beg to call your attention especially to the original French.

In this connection I have the honor to inform you that I have this day sent you the following telegram:

Evarts,
Washington, United States:

“Russia accepts Congress; condition, study question only. Reserves liberty of action as regards further measures. Prefers European city.

“HOFFMAN.”

I have, &c.,

WICKHAM HOFFMAN.
[Page 762]
[Inclosure in No. 41.—Translation.]

Mr. de Giers to Mr. Hoffman .

Sir: The imperial ministry has not failed to communicate to whom it concerned the tenor of the note you were kind enough to address to his highness the chancellor of the empire, under date of March 28 (April 9), relative to the intention of the Government of the United States of America, to convoke a conference with the object of studying the question of the monetary standard bi-metallic or single.

I have the honor to inform you to-day, sir, that the imperial government is entirely disposed to take part in the proposed meeting, on condition, however, of considering this conference only as a means of facilitating the study of the question of the metallic standard.

The imperial government reserves at the same time its entire liberty of action as regards the further measures to be taken in this question, as far as Russia is concerned.

As regards the choice of the city where the conference might be held, the imperial government prefers that a city of Europe should be designated.

Begging you, sir, to have the kindness to communicate to me the further arrangements of the Government of the United States on this subject, I profit by the opportunity, &c.,

GIERS.